Moto2: Morbidelli on top in Argentina

Qatar Grand Prix winner Franco Morbidelli has topped the opening day of Moto2 action in Argentina by finishing the day 0.15 ahead of Marcel Schrotter at the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit, with Takaaki Nakagami third a further 0.08 back.

“The first day here in Argentina has gone very well. We worked well in both sessions and I was fast in both, so this means we kept the momentum and confidence going from the pre-season and the win in Qatar. The important thing now is to keep our focus for the rest of the weekend so I can be challenging for the win again on Sunday.

“I spent most of today concentrating on managing the grip on used tyres, and we are already at a decent level with the bike. Now we must wait and see what will happen with the weather because I heard there is the possibility of some rain. But I feel we are prepared for whatever is thrown at us and we will be able to deal with all conditions in a calm and methodical way.”

Lorenzo Baldassarri led the provisional second row from Miguel Oliveria and Alex Marquez, with Matteo Pasini, Simone Corsi, Xavi Vierge and Dominique Aegerter rounding out the top ten.

Former Moto3 world champion Danny Kent was 14^th, pleased with his pace after electing not to use a new tyre in the closing stages of the session.